UK: Shepherd Neame acquired Caxton Arms pub, Brighton

Kent-based Britain's oldest brewer and pub operator Shepherd Neame has acquired the Caxton Arms, Brighton, for an undisclosed sum. The vibrant city centre pub is located just off the Queen's Road at North Gardens. It is popular with regulars and day-trippers alike and is close to both the station and the beach., the company released August 30.

James Brett is the new licensee of the pub. He is looking to renovate both the kitchen and the menu - with a focus on using local, seasonal ingredients. The pub will serve traditional ales from Britain's oldest brewer, including Kents Best and Spitfire. Shepherd Neame tenanted trade and property director George Barnes said: "We are delighted to be extending our East Sussex portfolio with the acquisition of a popular city pub such as the Caxton Arms. Shepherd Neame now has 44 pubs in the county, including six in Brighton."

Shepherd Neame’s traditions can be traced back to the foundation of the brewery in 1698. The brewer and pub operator has now some 370 pubs across the South East of UK. Eighty-five per cent of the beer sold in its pubs is brewed at Faversham brewery. The brewery's portfolio includes traditional Kentish ales like Spitfire and Bishops Finger and internationally renowned lagers brewed under licence, such as Holsten Export (Germany), Kingfisher (India), Oranjeboom Pilsener (Holland), Sun Lik (Hong Kong) and Hurlimann Sternbrau (Switzerland).

For the six months ended 24 December 2005 Shepherd Neame announced turnover up 2.8% to GBP48.9 million, operating profit up 8.6% to GBP6.4 million, profit before tax up 7.0% to GBP5.4 million, profit before tax & exceptionals up 7.7% to GBP4.7 million, earnings per share up 7.7%% to GBP30.8, managed pub estate performed above expectation with like for like sales up 4.5%.

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